That's The Ticket

December 16, 2001|By Andrea Sachs The Washington Post

It's that time of the year again, when holiday shoppers are poring over catalogues and airport security officials are unwrapping presents -- yours, that is. This season, the trend in gift-giving seems to be that less, and lighter, is more, especially for family members who must transport their gifts. With that in mind, we've assembled a list of travel-related gifts that can be tucked in an envelope and stashed in a carry-on bag, if not your wallet.

Spa Finder's gift certificates provide entree to muscle-soothing, eucalyptus-scented havens around the world. Depending on the depths of your pockets, you can send your stressed one to a nearby spa for an aromatherapy scalp massage, such as Williamsburg's Spa at Kingsmill, Va. (about $200 a day for room and spa), or to a faraway "stay" spa for, say, a seven-hour "Vision of Radiance" treatment at the Banyan Tree resort in Thailand (from $1,356 for air, one-night stay and spa).

Gift certificates are sold in increments of $25, from $50 to $10,000, and are good for spa services and products as well as travel and lodging. Info: 888-ALL-SPAS, www.spa finders.com.

For adventurous types who prefer mud huts over mud masks, pick up a gift certificate for a trip with an outdoor outfitter. Just think, with your largess, you could send a pal dog-sledding across frozen Minnesota lakes with Outward Bound (888-882-6863, www.outwardbound.org; trips from $1,200) or biking through Balinese rice paddies with Backroads (800-462-2848, www. backroads.com; trips from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on location, activity and level of comfort).

With a gift certificate from BnBFinder, an online bed-and-breakfast service, send a friend or family member out of town for some R&R. Recipients can choose to stay at one of several hundred properties, from Elk Forge Inn on Maryland's Eastern Shore to Kathy's Korner B&B in Alaska. Minimum purchase of $20 required, plus $4.95 handling fee; good for one year. Info: 888-469-6663, www.bnbfinder.com.

Got a friend who goes gaga over gadgets? Gift certificates from a travel-products company such as Magellan's (800- 962-4943, www.magellans.com) or TravelSmith (800-995- 7010, www.travelsmith.com) will fit the bill. Certificates start at $25 -- so your shop-happy pal can purchase a few disposable toothbrushes at $4.85 each, or a pair of binoculars for $119, depending on your generosity.

For the world traveler who never gets past the garage door, a subscription to a travel magazine is ideal -- it lets him explore the planet without ever getting dressed. There's a magazine out there for every taste, interest and comfort threshold: the effete, Dom Perignon-swilling excursionist (Conde Nast Traveler, 800-777-0700, www.cntraveler.com; $12 for one year), the bargain-hungry penny-pincher (Frommer's Budget Travel, 800-829-9121, www.frommers.com; $11.97 for one year), the hellbent adventurer (National Geographic Traveler, 800-NGS-LINE, www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler; $17.95 for eight issues) or the tragically hip pilgrim (Time Out, covering various cities, 888-438-8669, www.timeout.com; for New York, $39.95 for 51 issues).

For someone who's always scrounging for spare change to call home, a prepaid calling card is in order. There are more types of calling cards than there are phone booths, so shop around for the one that fits your budget and the recipient's chat habits. AT&T, for example, offers a card well-suited for fast talkers: You can purchase anywhere from 15 minutes ($3.45) to 300 minutes ($49.99), good for touch-tone phones domestic and abroad. (Add $1.50 in shipping and handling for up to three cards.)

The cards have a flat rate, though more minutes will be subtracted for international, pay phone and cell phone calls. Order by phone (800-801-7166), online (www.attconsumer.com/prepaidcard) or go pick one up at any post office or WH Smith store. For longer conversationalists, seek out cards with higher first-minute rates.

A AAA membership card is a can't-miss gift for anyone who gets to her destination of choice by car. The $48 basic card offers 24-hour emergency road service, including fuel delivery, towing and more; the $76 Plus membership grants extended service. With a flash of the card, the newly minted AAA member can also snag additional travel discounts. Info: 888-859-5161, www.aaa.com.

If you've been caught tired and grouchy during a long wait at the airport, you'll know the value of a pass to an airline club lounge, with its comfy chairs, TVs, even showers.

For the infrequent traveler, a single day pass might be appreciated. Most airlines sell them for about $45 a day. If you have more to spend, consider a club membership with one airline. Prices and services vary; American Airlines' Admiral Club card, for example, costs $400 plus a one-time $50 initiation fee for a one-year membership, and offers access to almost 40 clubs worldwide.